April Fools!

Set the alarm clock forward an hour. Dye the cereal milk green. Short sheet the bed. April Fools’ pranks can be silly for kids or more outrageous for adults. Whatever the degree, April 1 is a great excuse to break out of the mold and just have some fun.

Historically, many believe that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1392 with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. While not a legal holiday, the Western world celebrates every April 1 as a day that tolerates practical jokes and pranks. Some countries’ jokes only last until 12-noon, and those playing a trick after that time is called an “April Fool.” For other countries, the jokes last all day long.

Regardless of the history or tradition, kick back a little bit and have fun with the kids on Friday. Create funny pranks that are playful without the possibility of appearing mean. Good ones should have your kids laughing, not feeling like they’re being laughed at.

If you’re having trouble getting off the mark, simply Google some April Fools’ Day pranks. I read at least two that I think I’ll try with my kids. Late at night when they are asleep on March 31, I’ll carefully pick them up and put them in their sibling’s room instead. Waking up should be confusing! And for their school lunches, I’ll core an apple and put a gummy worm inside — I can’t wait to hear about lunchtime during the field trip that day.

As laughter is the best medicine, what better way to start off the weekend than with a Friday April Fools’ Day!